When an emergency or disaster strikes it can be stressful and costly. Choosing an unreliable company to handle the situation can substantially add to that stress and do more harm than good.
Inflated charges, needless delays, inadequate workmanship and unsafe behavior are common problems in the industry, but equipped with the right things to look for, you can save yourself from sizable headaches and expenses.
Here, then, are several questions to ask you when searching for a disaster response company.
Do they put quality first?
How does the company assure the quality of its damage assessment and restoration services? An above-average response firm offers quality assurance checkpoints and follow-up surveys to assure premium services from the moment they step onto the job site to long after they’ve gone.
Does the company have an arsenal of tools?
They say that “it’s not what you’ve got, but how you use it,” and the same is true when it comes to disaster response companies. Being an exceptional response company isn’t necessarily about having dozens of different pieces of equipment, but knowing which pieces are truly critical and how to use them correctly and safely, plus possibly having a few secret weapons up their sleeve. At OSR, we use only top-of-the-line equipment on all of our job sites.
Are they well organized?
The company you hire should provide you with a detailed schedule of activities. By providing this schedule, you can eliminate guesswork, and focus on your responsibilities and let the professionals handle the job
Are they available 24/7?
Emergencies are unpredictable. When disaster strikes, you need a team that’s prepared to respond at any time of day and on any day of the week. A company that offers ‘round the clock servicing’ is a must.
Are they focused on remediation?
Responding to a spill is more than just removing the substance. By taking the time to assess, contain, and remove all contaminated areas we ensure proper cleanup of water and soil to ensure the environment is restored to its natural state.
Does the company provide a legal contract?
You should look for a disaster response company that provides you with a contract that outlines the price and services. A contract allows you to review everything that has been agreed upon by having it in writing, so there are no surprises during the duration of the time the company is on your premises. A company that provides a contract is much more credible than one that does not and can also be held liable for damages, etc.
Do they have a good reputation in the community?
Online reviews can make us unconvinced. Are they paid or are they trustworthy? It can be difficult to tell now and again. So, look at more than just reviews. Does anyone local recommend them? How long have they been in business? Founded in 2009, Ontario Spill Response has been a trusted partner for the government and private organizations for all of their spill response needs. View Our Past Work.
What’s their pricing?
Naturally, doing a price comparison is always a prudent course of action, but keep in mind that cheaper is not always better. Don’t take it for granted that the lowest quote is the best deal. In fact, going with a cheaper but less reputable response company may cost you much more in the long run. In the end, this isn’t getting your lawn cut. This is damage remediation. Quality and experience should be overriding.
Is there a detailed explanation of services provided?
While investigating the various disaster response companies in your area, visit their websites and see if they describe the services they provide. You don’t want to work with a company that can’t help you with what you need; that’s a waste of time and money. An appropriate emergency response company will have its services listed with a description of what these services involve to help their customers realize what they can do for them.
Is the company certified?
Certification of a disaster response company is a sign that they have attained a level of know-how that is acknowledged within the industry. For some companies, the owner might be the only one with certification. Better response firms will make sure that several managers and technicians are certified as well.
No company should have a problem with you asking if they’re licensed and insured. If they’re annoyed by the question, they’re not the people you want to hire to help with the disaster restoration process.
Final thoughts
When dealing with a disaster or emergency spill in Ontario, knowing how to choose the right disaster response company is a must. You want to find a reliable and trustworthy company that will help you handle the situation as quickly and efficiently as possible. If you know what to look for in a good company, you can hire the right people to help you recover from the disaster.
